Ampitheater Named in Jerry Garcia's Honor

By Ian Rice
Arts and Lifestyle Editor

Jerry Garcia's hometown of San Francisco has named a 600-seat amphitheater to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the legendary Grateful Dead frontman's death. Garcia died on Aug. 9, 1995, from heart trouble brought on by sleep apnea.

On the bill for the grand opening concert (held in the venue this past Saturday) were Jefferson Starship, David Gans and master of ceremonies Wavy Gravy, most famous for his appearance at the legendary Woodstock Festival of Peace and Music in 1969.

The amphitheater is located in a park in the same neighborhood where Garcia grew up and first began to play music. It was from here that Garcia met his Grateful Dead bandmates and developed a sound and style that made them cult favorites and a live music's biggest draw for the better part of thirty years. Although the band only had one song that found its way into the Top Ten (1987's "Touch of Grey"), they were beloved by both fans and musicians alike and remained one of the biggest artistic and financial successes throughout the course of their career.

In addition to performing with the Dead, Garcia also lent his talents to a multitude of other projects. The singer/guitarist's most notable collaboration was with folk great David Grisman, renown for his skills on the mandolin. The pair released several albums of bluegrass-based music, all critically acclaimed. Garcia also shared the stage with such legendary artists as Merle Saunders, solidifying his place as one of rock's most essential artists.

On Wednesday, some of The Grateful Dead guitarist's artwork was installed at San Francisco City Hall as part of an inaugural exhibit for a new gallery. The exhibit, which coincides with the ampitheater dedication, includes drawings from Garcia's childhood and days as a student at The California School of the Arts.